Dell Mobile Workstation Precision M2400 User manual

Troubleshooting
Mobile Workstation Precision™ M2400 Service Manual
Troubleshooting Tools
Solving Problems
Dell Technical Update Service
Dell Support Utility
Troubleshooting Tools
Diagnostic Lights
CAUT ON: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety
instructions that shipped with your computer.
Your computer has three keyboard status lights located above the keyboard. During normal operation,
the keyboard status lights display the current status (on or off) of the Num Lock, Caps Lock, and
croll Lock features. If the computer starts without error, the lights flash, and then turn off. If the
computer malfunctions, however, you can use the status of the lights to help identify the problem.
NOTE: After the computer completes PO T, the Num Lock light may remain on, depending on
your BIO settings. For more information on using the system setup program, see the Dell™
Technology Guide on your computer or at support.dell.com.
Diagnostic Light Codes During POST
To troubleshoot a problem with your computer, read the sequence of the keyboard status lights in
order from left to right (Num Lock, Caps Lock, and then croll Lock). If the computer malfunctions,
the individual lights display a status of either On , Off , or Flashing .
Light
Pattern
Problem
Description
Suggested Resolution
No mem
ory modules
are detected.
• If two or more memory modules are installed, remove
the modules (seeRemoving a Memory Module), then
reinstall one module (see Replacing a Memory Module) and
restart the computer. If the computer starts normally,
continue to install additional memory modules (one at a
time) until you have identified a faulty module or
reinstalled all modules without error.
• If available, install working memory of the same type
into your computer (see Memory).
• If the problem persists, contact Dell upport.

Memory modules
are detected, but a
memory failure has
occurred.
• If two or more memory modules are installed, remove
the modules (seeRemoving a Memory Module), then
reinstall one module (see Replacing a Memory Module) and
restart the computer. If the computer starts normally,
continue to install additional memory modules (one at a
time) until you have identified a faulty module or
reinstalled all modules without error.
• If available, install working memory of the same type
into your computer (see Memory).
• If the problem persists, contact Dell upport.
Memory failed to
initialize or memory
is unsupported.
• If two or more memory modules are installed, remove
the modules (seeRemoving a Memory Module), then
reinstall one module (see Replacing a Memory Module) and
restart the computer. If the computer starts normally,
continue to install additional memory modules (one at a
time) until you have identified a faulty module or
reinstalled all modules without error.
• If available, install working memory of the same type
into your computer (see Memory).
• If the problem persists, contact Dell upport.
ystem board
failure has occurred.
• Contact Dell upport.
A possible processor
failure has occurred.
• Reseat the processor (see Processor Module).
• If the problem persists, contact Dell upport.
A possible graphics
card/video failure
has occurred.
• Reseat any installed graphics cards.
• If available, install a working graphics card into your
computer.
• If the problem persists, contact Dell upport.
A possible LCD
failure has occurred.
• Reseat the LCD cable (see Display Assembly).
• If the problem persists, contact Dell upport.
ystem failed on
hard drive
initialization.
• Reseat the hard drive (see Hard Drive).
• If the problem persists, contact Dell upport.
ystem failed in
Option ROM
initialization.
• If you have added any plug-in hardware with an option
ROM, try removing or reseating it.
• If the problem persists, contact Dell upport.
A possible modem
failure has occurred.
• If available, install a working modem into your
computer.
• If the problem persists, contact contact Dell upport.

Hardware Troubleshooter
If a device is either not detected during the operating system setup or is detected, but incorrectly
configured, you can use the Hardware Troubleshooter to resolve the incompatibility.
Microsoft
®
Windows
®
XP:
1. Click Start→ Help and Support.
2. Type hardware troubleshooter in the search field and press <Enter> to start the search.
3. In the Fix a Problem section, click Hardware Troubleshooter.
4. In the Hardware Troubleshooter list, select the option that best describes the problem and
click Next to follow the remaining troubleshooting steps.
Microsoft Windows Vista
®
:
1. Click the Windows Vista start button , and click Help and Support.
2. Type hardware troubleshooter in the search field and press <Enter> to start the search.
3. In the search results, select the option that best describes the problem and follow the
remaining troubleshooting steps.
Dell Diagnostics
CAUT ON: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety
instructions that shipped with your computer
When to Use the Dell Diagnostics
If you experience a problem with your computer, perform the checks in Solving Problems, and then run
the Dell Diagnostics before contacting Dell for assistance.
tart the Dell Diagnostics from your hard drive or from the Drivers and tilities media provided with
your computer.
NOTE: The Drivers and tilities media is optional and may not ship with your computer.
NOTE: The Dell Diagnostics only operate on Dell computers.
Starting the Dell Diagnostics From Your Hard Drive
Before running the Dell Diagnostics, enter system setup to review your computer's configuration
information, and ensure that the device you want to test is displayed in system setup and is active.
For more information on using the system setup program, see the Dell™ Technology Guide on your
computer or at support.dell.com.

The Dell Diagnostics is located on a separate diagnostic utility partition on your hard drive.
NOTE: If the computer is connected to a docking device (docked), undock it. ee the
documentation that came with your docking device for instructions.
NOTE: If your computer does not display a screen image, contact Dell upport.
1. Ensure that the computer is connected to an electrical outlet that is known to be working
properly.
2. Press and hold the <Fn> key or the mute button then turn on your computer.
NOTE: Alternatively, you can select Diagnostics from the one-time boot menu at startup
to boot to the diagnostic utility partition and run the Dell Diagnostics.
The computer runs the Pre-boot ystem Assessment (P A), a series of initial tests of your
system board, keyboard, display, memory, hard drive, etc.
o During the assessment, answer any questions that appear.
o If failures are detected during the Pre-boot ystem Assessment, write down
the error code(s) and contact Dell upport.
o If the Pre-boot ystem Assessment completes successfully, the following
message appears: "Booting Dell Diagnostic Utility Partition. Press
any key to continue."
NOTE: If you see a message stating that no diagnostics utility partition has been found, run
the Dell Diagnostics from your Drivers and tilities media (see Starting the Dell Diagnostics
From the Drivers and Utilities Media).
3. Press any key to start the Dell Diagnostics from the diagnostics utility partition on your hard
drive.
4. Press <Tab> to select Test System and then press <Enter>.
NOTE: It is recommended that you select Test System to run a complete test on your
computer. electing Test Memory initiates the extended memory test, which can take up
to thirty minutes or more to complete. When the test completes, record the test results and
then press any key to return to the previous menu.
5. At the Dell Diagnostics Main Menu, left-click with the touch pad/mouse, or press <Tab> and
then <Enter>, to select the test you want to run (see Dell Diagnostics Main Menu).
NOTE: Write down any error codes and problem descriptions exactly as they appear and
follow the instructions on the screen.
6. After all tests have completed, close the test window to return to the Dell Diagnostics Main
Menu.
7. Close the Main Menu window to exit the Dell Diagnostics and restart the computer.

NOTE: If you see a message stating that no diagnostics utility partition has been found, run
the Dell Diagnostics from your Drivers and tilities media (see Starting the Dell Diagnostics
From the Drivers and Utilities Media).
Starting the Dell Diagnostics From the Drivers and Utilities Media
Before running the Dell Diagnostics, enter system setup to review your computer's configuration
information, and ensure that the device you want to test is displayed in system setup and is active.
For more information on using the system setup program, see the Dell™ Technology Guide on your
computer or at support.dell.com.
1. Insert the Drivers and tilities media into the optical drive.
2. Restart your computer.
3. When the DELL logo appears, press <F12> immediately.
NOTE: Keyboard failure may result when a key is held down for extended periods of time.
To avoid possible keyboard failure, press and release <F12> in even intervals to open the
Boot Device Menu.
If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the
Microsoft Windows desktop, then shut down your computer and try again.
4. When the boot device list appears, use the up- or down- arrow keys to
highlight CD/DVD/CD-RW Drivethen press <Enter>.
NOTE: Using the one-time boot menu changes the boot sequence for the current boot only.
Upon restart, the computer boots according to the boot sequence specified in system setup.
5. Press any key to confirm that you want to start from the CD/DVD.
If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the
Microsoft Windows desktop, then shut down your computer and try again.
6. Type 1 to Run the 32 Bit Dell Diagnostics.
7. At the Dell Diagnostics Menu, type 1 to select Dell 32-bit Diagnostics for Resource CD
(graphical user interface).
8. Press <Tab> to select Test System and then press <Enter>.
NOTE: It is recommended that you select Test System to run a complete test on your
computer. electing Test Memory initiates the extended memory test, which can take up
to thirty minutes or more to complete. When the test completes, record the test results and
then press any key to return to the previous menu.
9. At the Dell Diagnostics Main Menu, left-click with the mouse, or press <Tab> and then
<Enter>, to select the test you want to run (see Dell Diagnostics Main Menu).

NOTE: Write down any error codes and problem descriptions exactly as they appear and
follow the instructions on the screen.
10. After all tests have completed, close the test window to return to the Dell Diagnostics Main
Menu.
11. Close the Main Menu window to exit the Dell Diagnostics and restart the computer.
12. Remove the Drivers and tilities media from the optical drive.
Dell Diagnostics Main Menu
After the Dell Diagnostics loads, the following menu appears:
Option Function
Test Memory Run the stand-alone memory test
Test ystem Run system diagnostics
Exit Exit the diagnostics
Press <Tab> to select the test you want to run and then press <Enter>.
NOTE: It is recommended that you select Test System to run a complete test on your computer.
electingTest Memory initiates the extended memory test, which can take up to thirty minutes
or more to complete. When the test completes, record the test results and then press any key to
return to this menu.
After Test System is selected, the following menu appears:
Option Function
Express Test
Performs a qui
ck test of devices in the system. This typically can take 10 to 20 minutes.
NOTE: The Express Test requires no interaction on your part. Run Express Test first to
increase the possibility of tracing a problem quickly.
Extended
Test
Performs a thorough check of devices in the system. This typically can take an hour or
more.
NOTE: The Extended Test periodically requires your input to answer specific questions.
Custom Test Use to test a specific device or customize the tests to be run.
ymptom
Tree
This option allows you to select tests based on a symptom of the problem you are
having. This option lists the most common symptoms.
NOTE: It is recommended that you select Extended Test to perform a more thorough check of
devices in the computer.
For any problem encountered during a test, a message appears with an error code and a description of
the problem. Write down the error code and problem description exactly as it appears and follow the
instructions on the screen. If you cannot resolve the problem, contact Dell upport.

NOTE: When contacting Dell upport, have your ervice Tag ready. The ervice Tag for your
computer is located at the top of each test screen.
The following tabs provide additional information for tests run from the Custom Test or ymptom Tree
option:
Tab Function
Results Displays the results of the test and any error conditions encountered.
Errors Displays error conditions encountered, error codes, and the problem description.
Help Describes the test and any requirements for running the test.
Configuration
Displays the hardware configuration for the selected device.
The Dell Diagnostics obtains configuration information for all devices from ystem
etup, memory, and various internal tests, and displays the information in the device
list in the left pane of the screen.
NOTE: The device list may not display the names of all components installed on your
computer or all devices attached to your computer.
Parameters Allows you to customize the test, if applicable, by changing the test settings.
Error Messages
CAUT ON: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety
instructions that shipped with your computer.
If the error message is not listed, see the documentation for the operating system or the program that
was running when the message appeared.
A filename cannot contain any of the following characters: \ / : * ? " < > | — Do not use
these characters in filenames.
A required .DLL file was not found — The program that you are trying to open is missing an
essential file. To remove and then reinstall the program:
Windows XP:
1. Click Start→
→→
→ Control Panel→
→→
→ Add or Remove Programs→
→→
→ Programs and Features.
2. elect the program you want to remove.
3. Click Uninstall.
4. ee the program documentation for installation instructions.
Windows Vista:
1. Click Start →
→→
→ Control Panel→
→→
→ Programs→
→→
→ Programs and Features.

2. elect the program you want to remove.
3. Click Uninstall.
4. ee the program documentation for installation instructions.
drive letter :\ is not accessible. The device is not ready — The drive cannot read the disk. Insert a
disk into the drive and try again.
nsert bootable media — Insert a bootable floppy disk, CD, or DVD.
Non-system disk error — Remove the floppy disk from the floppy drive and restart your computer.
Not enough memory or resources. Close some programs and try again — Close all windows
and open the program that you want to use. In some cases, you may have to restart your computer to
restore computer resources. If so, run the program that you want to use first.
Operating system not found — Contact Dell upport.
Solving Problems
Follow these tips when troubleshooting your computer:
• If you added or removed a part before the problem started, review the installation procedures
and ensure that the part is correctly installed.
• If a peripheral device does not work, ensure that the device is properly connected.
• If an error message appears on the screen, write down the exact message. This message may
help support personnel diagnose and fix the problem(s).
• If an error message occurs in a program, see the program's documentation.
NOTE: The procedures in this document were written for the Windows default view, so they may
not apply if you set your Dell computer to the Windows Classic view.
Battery Problems
CAUT ON: There is a danger of a new battery exploding if it is incorrectly installed.
Replace the battery only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the
manufacturer. Discard used batteries according to the manufacturer's instructions.
CAUT ON: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety
instructions that shipped with your computer.
Drive Problems

CAUT ON: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety
instructions that shipped with your computer.
Ensure that Microsoft Windows Recognizes the drive —
Windows XP:
• Click Start and click My Computer.
Windows Vista:
• Click the Windows Vista tart button and click Computer.
If the drive is not listed, perform a full scan with your antivirus software to check for and remove
viruses. Viruses can sometimes prevent Windows from recognizing the drive.
Test the drive —
• Insert another disc to eliminate the possibility that the original drive is defective.
• Insert a bootable floppy disk and restart the computer.
Clean the drive or disk —
For information on cleaning your computer, see the Dell™ Technology Guide on your computer or
atsupport.dell.com.
Check the cable connections
Run the Hardware Troubleshooter —
ee Hardware Troubleshooter.
Run the Dell Diagnostics —
ee Dell Diagnostics.
Optical drive problems
NOTE: High-speed optical drive vibration is normal and may cause noise, which does not indicate
a defect in the drive or the media.
NOTE: Because of different regions worldwide and different disc formats, not all DVD titles work
in all DVD drives.
Adjust the Windows volume control —
• Click the speaker icon in the lower-right corner of your screen.
• Ensure that the volume is turned up by clicking the slidebar and dragging it up.

• Ensure that the sound is not muted by clicking any boxes that are checked.
Check the speakers and subwoofer —
ee Sound and Speaker Problems.
Problems writing to an optical drive
Close other programs —
The optical drive must receive a steady stream of data during the writing process. If the stream is
interrupted, an error occurs. Try closing all programs before you write to the optical.
Turn off standby mode in Windows before writing to a disc —
For information about setting power options, see the Dell™ Technology Guide on your computer or
atsupport.dell.com. You can also search for the keyword standby in Windows Help and upport for
information on power management modes.
Hard drive problems
Run Check Disk —
Windows XP:
1. Click Start and click My Computer.
2. Right-click Local Disk C:.
3. Click Properties→€Tools→ Check Now.
4. Click Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors and click Start.
Windows Vista:
1. Click Start and click Computer.
2. Right-click Local Disk C:.
3. Click Properties→€Tools→ Check Now.
The User Account Control window may appear. If you are an administrator on the computer,
click Continue; otherwise, contact your administrator to continue the desired action.
4. Follow the instructions on the screen.
EEE 1394 Device Problems
CAUT ON: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety